Descriptive study of 896 Oral squamous cell carcinomas from the only University based Oral Pathology Diagnostic Service in Sri Lanka

Abstract

BackgroundThe main objective of this study was to describe selected clinico-pathological characteristics of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) in Sri-Lanka.Materials & methodsThe study sample comprised of eight hundred and ninety six biopsies diagnosed as OSCC. The clinical and histopathological features were analyzed using the Chi-square test.ResultsOf the 896 biopsies, 801 were primary OSCCs, while 95 were recurrent OSCCs. Majority of the patients (78 %) were in the 5th to 7th decades of life and showed a male predilection. The buccal mucosa was the commonest site of primary OSCC comprising of 43 % of the sample. Of the primary OSCCs, with known TNM stage, 86 % were in stage 3&4 and majority (59 %) of stage 4 tumours showed tumour at one or more excision margins. Of the recurrent OSCC, 46 % developed their recurrences within one year of the excision of the primary tumour.ConclusionIn Sri-Lanka, OSCC is a major problem. Only half the patients had completely excised tumours (with clearance of >5 mm at all excision margins) at operation, and recurrences appeared early. This data should be considered in the future management policy of OSCC in Sri-Lanka.

Correlation of elevated mast cell and micro-vessel densities with lymph node metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma

“…It is a complex and multistep process involving detachment of cells from the primary tumor, local invasion, entry into vasculature, proliferation, and evasion through the lymphatic system or blood vessels [15] . Previous studies have shown significant recurrence rates and frequent metastasis to cervical lymph nodes with OSCC [2,16] . Surgical removal of the primary tumor with neck dissection to remove affected lymph nodes is generally performed as treatment of OSCC [3] .…”

“…Surgical removal of the primary tumor with neck dissection to remove affected lymph nodes is generally performed as treatment of OSCC [3] . However, the majority of the clinically positive necks on histopathological evaluation do not show nodal metastasis [2] . Therefore it is mandatory to investigate parameters that would predict more accurately the presence of nodal metastasis prior to surgery.…”

“…It is an invasive epithelial malignancy with varying degrees of squamous differentiation induced predominantly by tobacco usage [1] . In Sri Lanka, habits of chewing betel quid which contains tobacco, areca nut, lime paste and condiments wrapped in betel leaf by both males and females; smoking and alcohol abuse by males, tend to increase the incidence of oral cancers [2] .…”

“…According to the TNM staging system, stage I and II indicate a relatively small primary tumor without the involvement of lymph nodes. Stage III and IV demonstrate large primary tumors with or without invasion into underlying structures and spread to regional lymph nodes [2] .…”

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Appraised by OHIP-14 Between Urban and Rural Areas in Kutai Kartanegara Regency, Indonesia: Pilot Pathfinder Survey

“…Moreover, a systemic disease is somehow related to many oral manifestations and reflected by the individual quality of life (QoL) [1-3]. Oral health also has a main contribution to the quality of life, and it directly affects people at their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social level [4].…”